WICB, India to Promote U.S Cricket

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is teaming up with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to promote the expansion of the game in the U.S.

The WICB has signed an "historic agreement" with the BCCI on ways in which the two countries would co-operate in the future, including preparations for the hosting of the ICC Cricket World Cup by the WICB and Asia in 2007 and 2011 respectively.

At a meeting held on Saturday, 29th April between I.S. Bindra, India?s alternative representative and K. Gordon, President, West Indies Cricket Board, it was agreed as follows:

1. That India and the West Indies would work together assisting each other wherever possible to develop cricket in their respective countries or in their spheres of special interest i.e. North America.

2. That this relationship will be based on mutual respect and the natural ties which have been developed over many years of competing with each other in the field.

3. That the first major project will be three to five One Day Internationals to be held in the United States and Canada targeted for August / September 2006.

4. Because of current financial difficulties, India will fund this project on the understanding that it will be repaid out of the WI share of the profits of the series.

5. Thereafter further joint projects will be pursued such as the opening of the Multi Complex stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and the aggressive expansion of cricket in North America.

The major breakthrough from this agreement will be the development and expansion of cricket in North America through the hosting of matches and, in particular joint ventures to be pursued such as the opening of the multi complex stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.